My Baby Shower (34 weeks)

This past weekend, my mom hosted my baby shower, and it was amazing! My sister flew in from New York, and my entire family came together and worked so hard to make this a dream shower for me. I have never felt more loved and blessed, being surrounded by all the people that I love. My cousin was kind enough to offer her gorgeous home as our venue, and my mom cooked all the delicious food.  It was a magical day I will never forget.

My dress cost $15 from TJ Maxx and was stretchy and comfy (not maternity)

8 Months Pregnant

I thought this pregnancy would feel like a lifetime, but to my surprise, it has flown by. I am now 32 weeks, which makes me a whopping 8 months pregnant! I can now finally say, "I'm due next month" and with that, my nesting instincts have definitely kicked in. I wake up at the crack of dawn to empty my smashed bladder, and then can't shut my mind off. All these thoughts of preparing for baby's arrival consume my brain. I need to pack my hospital bag, diaper bag, I need to get a diaper bag, oh, baby has the hiccups, yet again. He gets the hiccups multiple times a day, and though everyone says I will soon get annoyed with them, I just see them as a loving reminder that he is always with me and doing well. Pre-pregnancy, I weighed in at 110 lbs., and now, 20 pounds later, I look like I'm hiding a basketball under my shirt. I still get shocked when I walk past a mirror and catch a glimpse of my big ol' belly. It's amazing! This pregnancy has been so smooth that I actually think I will truly miss being pregnant. I had a good week or two of heartburn that would make sleeping a bit difficult, but I stopped eating hours before bed, and if I felt it coming on, I'd prop myself up on a bunch of pillows and sleep a bit upright. Other than that, the only other symptom I have really experienced is the fatigue from the first trimester, making it's way into this final trimester.

My baby shower is next weekend, and I couldn't be more excited to see all my family, especially my sister from New York, who is flying out for this special occasion. I was with her when she delivered her second baby, and now, she gets to see me pregnant! The only thing missing will be my sister in Hawaii, but with four kids of her own, it's very difficult to get away. I will be sure to post tons of photos of my baby shower for everyone to see!

A pregnant woman's best friend: the Maxi skirt

Maxi skirts have always been a favorite of mine, but even more so, now that I am really showing. These photos were taken before I started to show, but after I hit week 20, my belly has steadily grown quite a bit. It was right around the 21st week that I 'popped' or it became very evident to the general public that I am indeed expecting. Since I've always dressed in form fitting clothes, I'm finding the options of clothes to wear from my closet are quickly shrinking, but one thing that will never let me down is my maxi skirt. Maxi skirts and dresses are a pregnant woman's best friend, especially in the summertime.

Sandals: Forever21
Skirt: Fashion Q
Top: www.FashionNova.com
Necklace & Hat: Charlotte Russe

Week 19: Visual Movement

This week has been so exciting for me for a few reasons. First is that not only have I began feeling frequent movement from my bundle of love, but I also saw my belly move for the very first time! I will just lay on my back and enjoy the show. I also had a doctors appointment and got to see my love moving around via sonogram. Next week will be my 20 week anatomy scan, and this means I will get to sit back and watch my little one again, so I can't wait for that. I will also be revealing my baby's gender and can't wait to share this exciting news with everyone!

Week 18: I am WOMAN, hear me roar

We've all heard this saying, and it wasn't until this point in my life that I truly grasp the veracity of this statement. Preparation for motherhood may have something to do with it. OK, it has a LOT to do with it; think about it. We are baby making machines, pretty much the closest thing to a real life super hero. I have been experiencing a plethora of changes to my body, and I'll spare you the gory details, but really, the changes our bodies go through, from creating a life from scratch, to delivery (gasp!) are nothing short of miraculous. Mothers, give yourself a nice pat on the back. You are amazing!
When I found out that I was expecting, no one could be more surprised than myself, for the simple fact that I never knew I was capable of creating and growing another human being. I had initially planned to keep my pregnancy hidden for as long as possible, but as time passed by, and my baby bump grew, no one could stop me from shouting from the roof tops, "I'm having a baby!". I wear my little belly with pride, and savor every moment, especially the kicks that I'm finally blessed to start feeling. Last night, I was reading a book in bed, and my little one must have thought it was a great time to try out gymnastics, doing somersaults, and letting me know, "I'm with you, Mommy." It truly made my night.  I know this is just the beginning, and it's only getting better.